View Poll Results: What's your front speaker set up?
Alpine SPS-170A and happy with them.
10
10.87%
Alpine SPS-170A and want Monsoons back.
3
3.26%
Neither Alpine or Monsoon. (if so what?)
35
38.04%
Still running Monsoon.
44
47.83%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 92. You may not vote on this poll
What to do about front speakers???
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Bay
What to do about front speakers??? OK, I've got the Monsoon system and one of the door speakers blew the other day. I've read the sticky about wiring in the Alpine SPS-170A speakers, but some people seem to not like the set up once they've got it in. I don't want to buy these speakers and then wish I should have just bought a factory replacement. Let me know what you've done and if you're happy with it. Does anybody have their tweets mounted in the little triangle piece by the mirror? Thanks for the input!!
Why not just go listen to some 6 1/2" speakers at your local audio shop, Best Buy, Circuit City, whatever? I'm sure most coaxial 6 1/2's you'll find will fit just fine and sound better than a factory replacement.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 717
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From: Georgetown, DE
I'm not sure listening to speakers in the store will give you an accurate idea of how the will sound in the Monsoon setup. As for me, I went with the Alpines for the sole reason that other Monsoon owners had tried these and recommended them for the most part. I think they were a great choice. And they are also cheaper than buying a replacement Monsoon speaker from the dealer.
Granted if you're an audiophile, you'll not be satified with the sound quality from any speaker you plug in. The same goes if you want thumping base or ear shattering decibel levels.
I've only had the SPS-170A's installed for about a week, but I love them so far. Are there better speakers out there? Probably. But my thinking was: go with what you know works (at least for other folks).
Granted if you're an audiophile, you'll not be satified with the sound quality from any speaker you plug in. The same goes if you want thumping base or ear shattering decibel levels.
I've only had the SPS-170A's installed for about a week, but I love them so far. Are there better speakers out there? Probably. But my thinking was: go with what you know works (at least for other folks).
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Bay
I just saw those. They should work pretty good right?
KAPPA62.7I
Specifications:
Power Handling, RMS: 75 Watts
Power Handling, Peak: 225 Watts
Sensitivity: 94dB
Frequency Response: 45Hz - 25kHz
Mounting Depth: 2-3/16"
Impedance: 2 Ohms
KAPPA62.7I
Specifications:
Power Handling, RMS: 75 Watts
Power Handling, Peak: 225 Watts
Sensitivity: 94dB
Frequency Response: 45Hz - 25kHz
Mounting Depth: 2-3/16"
Impedance: 2 Ohms
Trending Topics
I like the Alpines. They suit my purposes well and sound good. The tweeters do a good job of reproducing the highs. They're very bright.
Now I just need to get some replacement 6.5 subs for the sail panel.
Now I just need to get some replacement 6.5 subs for the sail panel.
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Originally Posted by DOUBT IT
Now I just need to get some replacement 6.5 subs for the sail panel.
Rockford Fosgate RFP4406 6.5" Subs. $121.00/pair shipped ($42.00/each + shipping)
18 Available Here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN%3AIT&rd=1
Ordered, received, and installed mine last week. Direct replacement, sound great.
I will probably be replacing the other speakers with the Alpines in the near future.
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Here's my 2¢ worth... I still have the stock Mansoon speakers in my car. (I've only had it 2 months now.) The front speakers are fine. The passenger rear speaker is blown, the driver's side is dead. The passenger hatch speaker is fine, the driver's side is MISSING! I had a 2002 Firebird before and was always happy with the stock system, so I'm leaning towards stock replacements. (I'm sure you guys will let us know WHY this is the wrong choice!)
Here's what I've found in my search for stock replacements:
Order from http://gmpartsdirect.com They seem to have the best prices, but I haven't checked on their shipping.
199?-2002 (Coupe)
6.5" front door speakers: P/N 9361859 for left and 9361869 for right (Not Verified)
6" DVC sail panel subs: P/N 9365799 $32.00 (Verified from my 2001 Formula)
4" rear hatch speakers: P/N 16259011 $10.44 (Verified from my 2001 Formula)
cd head unit: P/N ????
Aftermarket
Fronts:
[Quote]Alpine SPS-1005 Tweeters
Alpine SPS-170A 6 1/2's
Try the new Infinity Referance speakers also. They are a 2 Ohm design too.
I just saw those. They should work pretty good right?
KAPPA62.7I
Specifications:
Power Handling, RMS: 75 Watts
Power Handling, Peak: 225 Watts
Sensitivity: 94dB
Frequency Response: 45Hz - 25kHz
Mounting Depth: 2-3/16"
Impedance: 2 Ohms[?Quote]
Sail Panel (Back Seat):
Hope this helps!
1stbird
2001 Firebird Formula
Purchased 8/19/2005
LS1
6 Speed (M6)
Ram Air Hood (Dealer Installed)
Ram Air Box (Dealer Installed)
K&N Air Filter
CAGS Eliminator
DRL Disable
Black on Black
No T-Tops
GM Factory Bra
Pilot Motorsports Shiftknob
Pilot Motorsports Pedal Covers
"My old lady left me and took my Firebird the other day. Damn, I miss that car!"
From 2000BlkCamaroSS:
The monsoon speaker sizes are: front door - 6.5" or 6.5S", back seat - 6.5", rear hatch - 4".
The stock HU runs at 4 ohms and powers the front door tweeters and the rear hatch tweeters/mids.
The stock amp located next to the spare tire runs at 2 ohms and powers the midbass for the front door speakers and the back seat speakers.
The reason aftermarket speakers don't sound as good as the stock speakers while connected to the stock deck and amp is because most aftermarket speakers run at 4 ohms. Most people that want to run subs in the rear hatch area and also want to replace the back seat speakers may want to do something different than the way the stock speakers are set up. The way to do this is to pull the wires from the back hatch and plug them into the tweeter on the 3-way in the back seat and plug the midbass wires to the midbass terminal on the speaker.
The monsoon speaker sizes are: front door - 6.5" or 6.5S", back seat - 6.5", rear hatch - 4".
The stock HU runs at 4 ohms and powers the front door tweeters and the rear hatch tweeters/mids.
The stock amp located next to the spare tire runs at 2 ohms and powers the midbass for the front door speakers and the back seat speakers.
The reason aftermarket speakers don't sound as good as the stock speakers while connected to the stock deck and amp is because most aftermarket speakers run at 4 ohms. Most people that want to run subs in the rear hatch area and also want to replace the back seat speakers may want to do something different than the way the stock speakers are set up. The way to do this is to pull the wires from the back hatch and plug them into the tweeter on the 3-way in the back seat and plug the midbass wires to the midbass terminal on the speaker.
Order from http://gmpartsdirect.com They seem to have the best prices, but I haven't checked on their shipping.
199?-2002 (Coupe)
6.5" front door speakers: P/N 9361859 for left and 9361869 for right (Not Verified)
6" DVC sail panel subs: P/N 9365799 $32.00 (Verified from my 2001 Formula)
4" rear hatch speakers: P/N 16259011 $10.44 (Verified from my 2001 Formula)
From WhiteBird00:
1999-2002 (These were listed for the Convertible)
Right front: 9361859 LIST: $79.80 OUR PRICE: $39.90
Left front: 9361869 LIST: $79.80 OUR PRICE: $39.90
Rears: 16257961 GM LIST: $90.00 OUR PRICE: $45.00
1998 (These were listed for the Convertible)
Front left: 9361929 GM LIST: $79.07 OUR PRICE: $39.54
Front right: 9361919 GM LIST: GM LIST: $78.14 OUR PRICE: $39.07
Rear: 16220771 GM LIST: $70.56 OUR PRICE: $35.28
The 98 speakers are listed as coax for the doors and thin coax for the rear under option code U62 (check for the option code on the driver's door sticker).
cassette head unit: P/N 9393372 GM LIST: $522.52 OUR PRICE: $261.26
1999-2002 (These were listed for the Convertible)
Right front: 9361859 LIST: $79.80 OUR PRICE: $39.90
Left front: 9361869 LIST: $79.80 OUR PRICE: $39.90
Rears: 16257961 GM LIST: $90.00 OUR PRICE: $45.00
1998 (These were listed for the Convertible)
Front left: 9361929 GM LIST: $79.07 OUR PRICE: $39.54
Front right: 9361919 GM LIST: GM LIST: $78.14 OUR PRICE: $39.07
Rear: 16220771 GM LIST: $70.56 OUR PRICE: $35.28
The 98 speakers are listed as coax for the doors and thin coax for the rear under option code U62 (check for the option code on the driver's door sticker).
cassette head unit: P/N 9393372 GM LIST: $522.52 OUR PRICE: $261.26
From Ouija:
rear cd changer - 12 disc: P/N 12495743 GM LIST: $795.67 OUR PRICE: $397.83 (Origionally in a LT1, but works in my 2000 TA)
rear cd changer - 12 disc: P/N 12495743 GM LIST: $795.67 OUR PRICE: $397.83 (Origionally in a LT1, but works in my 2000 TA)
From WhiteBird00:
Power antenna: P/N 10402860 GM LIST: $143.52 OUR PRICE: $71.76
(P/N 10402859 is suppose to be fore the Camaro. It's a few dollars more, don't know why.) GM LIST: $149.28 OUR PRICE: $74.64
Power antenna: P/N 10402860 GM LIST: $143.52 OUR PRICE: $71.76
(P/N 10402859 is suppose to be fore the Camaro. It's a few dollars more, don't know why.) GM LIST: $149.28 OUR PRICE: $74.64
Fronts:
[Quote]Alpine SPS-1005 Tweeters
Alpine SPS-170A 6 1/2's
Try the new Infinity Referance speakers also. They are a 2 Ohm design too.
I just saw those. They should work pretty good right?
KAPPA62.7I
Specifications:
Power Handling, RMS: 75 Watts
Power Handling, Peak: 225 Watts
Sensitivity: 94dB
Frequency Response: 45Hz - 25kHz
Mounting Depth: 2-3/16"
Impedance: 2 Ohms[?Quote]
Sail Panel (Back Seat):
Have you considered the ones Rogue Leader recommended?
Rockford Fosgate RFP4406 6.5" Subs. $121.00/pair shipped ($42.00/each + shipping)
18 Available Here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1
Ordered, received, and installed mine last week. Direct replacement, sound great.
Rockford Fosgate RFP4406 6.5" Subs. $121.00/pair shipped ($42.00/each + shipping)
18 Available Here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1
Ordered, received, and installed mine last week. Direct replacement, sound great.
1stbird
2001 Firebird Formula
Purchased 8/19/2005
LS1
6 Speed (M6)
Ram Air Hood (Dealer Installed)
Ram Air Box (Dealer Installed)
K&N Air Filter
CAGS Eliminator
DRL Disable
Black on Black
No T-Tops
GM Factory Bra
Pilot Motorsports Shiftknob
Pilot Motorsports Pedal Covers
"My old lady left me and took my Firebird the other day. Damn, I miss that car!"
Last edited by 1stbird; Oct 11, 2005 at 04:23 PM.
TECH Regular
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
Infinity perfect components. Retrail is about $550, but you can get them on ebay or other online stores for about 200-250. I have them in my truck amped, each set is getting about 135 watts, sounds awesome. I think next summer I'm gonna dynomat my truck get some better sound.
Now I dunno if you have the stock head unit or not, or how exactly these would work on stock wiring as I have mine amped. But just thought I'd let you know what I have and what i think about it. So if you can/want to just replace them all, maybe spend a little more money and get something that sounds awesome then there you have it.
Now I dunno if you have the stock head unit or not, or how exactly these would work on stock wiring as I have mine amped. But just thought I'd let you know what I have and what i think about it. So if you can/want to just replace them all, maybe spend a little more money and get something that sounds awesome then there you have it.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown, DE
Originally Posted by WTB02SSM6
Did you get the Alpines at Circuit City? I couldn't find them on their website.
Circuit City doesn't carrying Alpine anymore. Best Buy carries them ($99), but my Best Buy was out of stock on these. Must be alot of Fbody owners in the area. lol
Last edited by HiTechGent; Oct 10, 2005 at 01:26 AM.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown, DE
Originally Posted by DOUBT IT
I like the Alpines. They suit my purposes well and sound good. The tweeters do a good job of reproducing the highs. They're very bright.
Now I just need to get some replacement 6.5 subs for the sail panel.
Now I just need to get some replacement 6.5 subs for the sail panel.
http://www.carmedia1.com/en-us/dept_19.html
Great research 1stbird. I'm going to add this to the FAQ Sticky.
The only issue with using GMPartDirect is they charge a Handling charge per item. Something like $8 per. That can add up FAST. They are only good for Big expensive items.
The only issue with using GMPartDirect is they charge a Handling charge per item. Something like $8 per. That can add up FAST. They are only good for Big expensive items.
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Bay
Well I think I'm going with the KAPPA 62.7I. I found them online for less than $90 with free shipping & a sheet of dyno mat too. Since it's a 2 ohm design, do ya think I'll have any issues since the head unit is 4 ohm?
Launching!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 297
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
WTB02SSM6,
Most head units are already being overloaded with a 4 ohm speak (hook up a scope to the speaker level outputs, crank the volume all the way up and observe the clipping/distortion).
If you use 2 ohm speakers, you'll be ok up to a certain volume point. But there after you'll be overloading it too.
I had the 652.7i's installed into the sail panel area recently. They were run off an amp. Sound wise I was not too pleased.. The highs were way too bright. If you like that sort of thing, it's worth a try then. Buy from a place with a liberal return policy.
Most head units are already being overloaded with a 4 ohm speak (hook up a scope to the speaker level outputs, crank the volume all the way up and observe the clipping/distortion).
If you use 2 ohm speakers, you'll be ok up to a certain volume point. But there after you'll be overloading it too.
I had the 652.7i's installed into the sail panel area recently. They were run off an amp. Sound wise I was not too pleased.. The highs were way too bright. If you like that sort of thing, it's worth a try then. Buy from a place with a liberal return policy.
GPz1100 - stock Monsoon setups power only the 4ohm tweeters (coupes) off the head unit. In verts the head unit powers nothing - the amp drives everything. So overloading the head unit is not a concern, and the either 4 or 6 of the amp channels are 2ohm loaded from the factory.
In coupes the amp sees 6 channels at 2 ohms, the corner speakers and one voice coil of each sub. The other two channels are 4 ohm loaded on the 2nd sub voice coils. Not sure why it's like this but it is.
--------------------
In general, if you are happy with the sound quality of the OEM Monsoon speakers, rest assured that the Alpines are a substantial upgrade so long as you take care to bi-wire them in line with the factory setup. They will play everything but bass louder, and much clearer. A huge boost in treble and midrange clarity, no real boost to overall bass volume but tighter and not as likely to bottom out.
I think people that are disappointed with the Alpines, are because they wire them up thinking they are going to see a huge bass or total volume improvement. This is not the case, and is really a limitation of the 6.5" driver and amp power levels. They are also less efficient so it takes more volume on the **** to get to the same levels. However they are more capable and can play louder than factory for highs and mids - just bass is about the same.
The Alpines are really a no-brainer to replace a problem factory speaker. Especially given they are cheaper than OEM replacements.
People recommending $300 and $400 components - that's a whole nother league and you need to get into separate amplification and new wiring for it to be worthwhile.
In coupes the amp sees 6 channels at 2 ohms, the corner speakers and one voice coil of each sub. The other two channels are 4 ohm loaded on the 2nd sub voice coils. Not sure why it's like this but it is.
--------------------
In general, if you are happy with the sound quality of the OEM Monsoon speakers, rest assured that the Alpines are a substantial upgrade so long as you take care to bi-wire them in line with the factory setup. They will play everything but bass louder, and much clearer. A huge boost in treble and midrange clarity, no real boost to overall bass volume but tighter and not as likely to bottom out.
I think people that are disappointed with the Alpines, are because they wire them up thinking they are going to see a huge bass or total volume improvement. This is not the case, and is really a limitation of the 6.5" driver and amp power levels. They are also less efficient so it takes more volume on the **** to get to the same levels. However they are more capable and can play louder than factory for highs and mids - just bass is about the same.
The Alpines are really a no-brainer to replace a problem factory speaker. Especially given they are cheaper than OEM replacements.
People recommending $300 and $400 components - that's a whole nother league and you need to get into separate amplification and new wiring for it to be worthwhile.
Last edited by todddchi; Oct 14, 2005 at 12:03 PM.
Memphis MC60 6 1/2" in the sealed with windshield putty (dumdum). Inexpensive. I sell Memphis, Premier, Eclipse, Boston Acoustics all of which cost me very little. Memphis was my best value. An interesting thing is that they come with an external crossover which you delete and run the Monsoon leads straight to the sepertate input for tweeter and mid bass.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown, DE
Originally Posted by Macon
Memphis MC60 6 1/2" in the sealed with windshield putty (dumdum). Inexpensive. I sell Memphis, Premier, Eclipse, Boston Acoustics all of which cost me very little. Memphis was my best value. An interesting thing is that they come with an external crossover which you delete and run the Monsoon leads straight to the sepertate input for tweeter and mid bass.